For HIMYM, if anything, Robin doesn't get enough plot for a main character. Yes Ted is annoying, he screws up the same way so many times and always thinks the world is out to get him. Lily is annoying when she's being manipulative and passive-aggressive to get others to do what she wants. At least, they've ben cutting down on that lately.
Marshall and Barney are easily the best characters.

I don't really understand the hate for the newsroom either and im not a sorkin fanboy or anything like that. I thought it was a good pilot and daniels' opening diatribe was pretty spot on imo. Ill definitely continue watching this whole season unless it goes off the deep end completely. I could see how some of it may have been off-putting and it was a bit cheesy at times but all in all i thought it was interesting, had good dialogue (generally), has a good premise, and has the potential for some great character development.